When 中间的程序 faculty members Katie Perez-Phillips ’07 and Kiki Sweigart began exploring creative ways to support their students in taking community action back in 2021, they sought a long-term initiative that would emphasize leadership, 同情, 和协作. Thanks to some out-of-the-box thinking, they found the perfect opportunity for service right in 十大最好的网赌平台’s own backyard.

“We wanted an ongoing weekly or monthly idea that each IP advisory could take on in a collaborative effort,斯威加特说. “In local neighborhoods we saw the Blessing Boxes, which are stocked with non-perishable food items, 基本的化妆品, 婴儿用品, and anything else that might be considered a blessing to people who find themselves in need. 我联系了 低地祝福盒项目, which pointed us in the right direction for building plans and locations. They started in 2017 and now have nearly 200 Blessing Boxes throughout the Lowcountry.”

Wanting to impact the immediate community, IP students partnered with the restaurant FUEL to install a purple Blessing Box (handcrafted by 十大最好的网赌平台 staff member John Bartolotti) on its property, which is near one of the School’s satellite parking lots. 让盒子装满, each IP each advisory group is assigned 3-4 weeks throughout the school year when they will take a short Friday field trip to FUEL. “We ask each student in advisory to try and bring in at least 3 items by Friday during their assigned week,斯威加特说. “Then they deliver them on Friday during their advisory time.”

The rest of 十大最好的网赌平台’s campus also embrace this unique opportunity to make a difference in their community throughout the year. “The 较低的学校 and Nautilus programs have all helped us keep the box stocked with each group taking a week that is assigned to them,斯威加特说. “We also encourage all faculty to bring in items and any families are always able to drop off items—or they can just stop by the Blessing Box and fill it themselves! Last summer a group of 较低的学校 families set up a schedule for a weekly ‘fill’ which was so helpful when we are not in school.”